Analyst: Disrupted Fuel Distribution In Bengkulu, Pelindo II Must Move Quickly

JAKARTA - Trisakti University Public Policy Analyst, Trubus Rahadiansyah asked Pelindo II to accelerate the dredging of Baai Island Port. Due to the protracted work, it has had a major impact on various economic sectors, including the disruption of Pertamina's fuel distribution to the community.

"The impact is huge, including the distribution of fuel. Therefore, Pelindo II must move quickly against dredging. This is part of the responsibility," Trubus told the media, Tuesday, May 27.

According to Trubus, the acceleration of dredging work is only one part of the BUMN's responsibility. No less important, he said, Pelindo II must also be responsible to the community. Because there is a public loss there, including the increasing cost of the community. "Exports are affected, the wheels of the community's economy are also very affected. So, the domino effect is huge, including to the public," he continued.

In addition, added Trubus, of course there must be improvements in governance, in which there is transparency.

Previously, Bengkulu Governor Helmi Hasan also asked PT Pelindo II to seriously deal with the silting of the Baai Island Port channel, Bengkulu City.

"This is an emergency. People continue to ask, when can they return to Enggano? When can the children return to school in Bengkulu City? If Pelindo cannot confirm when the ship can pass through, then what has been done so far," said Bengkulu Governor Helmi Hasan.

According to him, Pertamina's fuel carriers as well as passenger and logistics ships serving Enggano really need safe and smooth shipping access.

"This concerns the lives of many people. We want everything to be safe and the flow of shipping goes smoothly," Helmi said at the time.

The head of the Mineral Resources Energy Service (ESDM) at that time, Donni Swabuana, said that Pertamina was also very affected by the silting. Usually Pertamina uses a sea route to send fuel to Bengkulu, but now it has to switch to land routes.

"Pertamina's loss to us is Rp. 500 million per day," he said.

On the other hand, Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sumbagsel continues to be committed to maintaining reliability in distribution and ensuring the availability of fuel oil (BBM) for the people of Bengkulu.

As conveyed by the Area Manager Communication, Relation & CSR of Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Sumbagsel, Tjahyo Nikho Indrawan, Pertamina continues to strengthen distribution acceleration steps through the addition of a tank car fleet, acceleration of distribution from various supply points, and coordination with PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) for supplies to FT Lubuk Linggau and the local government, continues to be carried out so that the energy distribution in the Bengkulu area continues to run safely and sustainably.

"We continue to urge the public to remain calm and not to make excessive purchases of fuel. The supply will continue to be maximized according to the needs of the people in the Bengkulu area and its surroundings," he explained.

In addition, continued Nikho, Petamina Patra Niaga Regional Sumbagsel also apologized for the queues and limited fuel supply that had occurred at a number of gas stations in the Bengkulu area in the last few days.

"We apologize for the inconvenience that had occurred. This situation is the impact of conditions beyond our control, but Pertamina is fully committed to maintaining energy availability. We ensure that the supply of fuel for the people of Bengkulu continues to be pursued to return to normal gradually," said Nikho.